Bulacan set to make Angat River a major ecotourism complex
March 26, 2012 at 14:12
CITY OF MALOLOS—An ambitious ecotourism project is slowly gaining its momentum along the stretch of Angat River in the towns of Bustos and Angat.
Bulacan Gov. Wilhelmino Sy Alvarado said the Angat River is being developed into a water sports center and at the same time, serve as a wildlife haven.
Angat River is the major river in the province of Bulacan that flows from the Sierra Madre mountain range; slices through the towns of Norzagaray, Angat, Bustos, San Rafael, Baliuag, Pulilan, Plaridel, Calumpit and Hagonoy; and exits to the Manila Bay.
The mountainous towns of Angat, Norzagaray, Bustos and San Rafael are rich with mineral resources, a veritable hidden wealth waiting to be tapped.
The ecotourism project is expected to provide a new adventure package for enthusiasts who want to enjoy sports and nature at the same time, Alvarado said.
He said they are now preparing for the launching of the water park next month and encourages nature and fun lovers to visit Bulacan and experience the beauty of its natural wonders.
Bulacan Environment and Natural Resources Office (Benro) chief Rustico “Teddy” de Belen said the project will be built in two major locations: one on the upstream of Bustos Dam in Bustos town and the other on the upstream part of Bakas to Pugpog of the Angat River in Angat town.
Bustos Mayor Arnel Mendoza said Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza) Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid expressed his support for the project’s realization.
“Tieza is willing to invest funds to realize this project. They [have] already prepared the blueprint and layout for this project. If all turns well, with the help of other LGUs [local government units], the facility in Bustos Dam will be ready within two years,” said Mendoza.
Angat Mayor Gilberto Santos said the facility located in barangay Sta. Cruz, Angat town will be known as “Ganda Ko’y Silayan: Angat Water Park” and will include amenities such as water skiing, jet skiing, boating, kayaking, zipline, wakeboarding, floating restaurants, and fishing and picnic areas.
“We are hoping that the entire facility will be finished next year. Right now, we already had roads constructed going to the area, nipa huts built, and water sports equipment like water bikes, kayaks and jetskis ready,” said Santos.
The project, once completed, is expected to boost tourist arrivals, both local and foreign, and help spur the economic growth of Bustos and Angat.
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By: Ramon Lazaro
Source: Business Mirror, March 22, 2012
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